As a mom who’s changed diapers on four continents and traveled widely with three children, I know the importance of finding the best travel stroller for your family’s brand of adventures.
But I also know that finding the best travel stroller for your trip with a growing baby or toddler–or combination of little ones–can be a tricky business!
If you forego features in favor of a lighter load, will you regret it on your vacation? Can a compact stroller be too compact to keep a baby or toddler — or jet-lagged preschooler — happy on day trips far from home?
Let’s start with some important buying tips to consider as you compare the lightweight and compact strollers recommended below.
Important buying tips as you shop for your best travel stroller possible:
- If your stroller doesn’t recline, will your child nap when you need her to at your final destination (a deal breaker for many)?
- If there’s not enough storage, will you end up juggling extra helpful items–or having to leave them behind?
- Will the stroller wheels be rugged enough for cobblestones or other terrain where you will travel?
- Will it take up too much room in the trunk or cargo space on family road trips?
- Will the stroller provide adequate sun protection if you’ll spend long periods outdoors–or will it allow for helpful additions to make shade or add a rain cover where and when you need it (see recommended stroller accessories here)?
Here are my recommendations for lightweight travel strollers listed in order of weight from the lightest to heaviest. To add shade coverage, weather or insect protection, comforts, or conveniences to your stroller, see my recommendations in Stroller Accessories.
And now, the best lightweight and compact strollers for travel … with more tips for flying with babies and toddlers linked below. RECOMMENDED STROLLERS ARE LISTED IN ORDER FROM LIGHTEST WEIGHT.
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gb Pockit Compact Ultralight Stroller
Why Shelly Recommends it:
It’s the world’s most compactly folding lightweight travel stroller at 11.8″ x 7″ x 13.8″. If space is your paramount concern in your upcoming travels, this may be just the answer and I’d encourage you to take a closer look.
However, there’s not much more to boast about the entry-level GB Pockit model than that. The seat does not recline whatsoever for napping or jet-lagged children and, as you can see, the “sun visor” is almost nonexistent–how many times in your travels will the sun perfectly align with this wee little rectangle to make it of use?
However, if that’s a deal breaker, you can look to the gb Pockit+ All-City (below) for additional features in a similarly compact and lightweight package — and gives you the option to combine with an infant car seat as a travel system.
With the exception of height-adjustable handles that may be an added comfort for taller parents, and a shallow storage basket that can support up to 11 lbs. of gear, what you see is what you get. You can, however, also get the convenient Pockit stroller travel bag with shoulder strap (sold separately) — and even store it in the airplane overhead storage bin if desired.
For its price point, you may want to be sure to consider other options below that will give you more features. SPECS: The gb Pockit is for children 6 months up to 55 lbs. Unfolded dimensions: 28 in x 17.5 in x 39.8 in. Folds to 11.8″ x 7″ x 13.8″. Weighs 10.4 lbs. See current deals online at: Amazon
The Clutch Ultra-Compact Travel Stroller
Why Shelly Recommends it:
If you think it looks a lot like “the world’s most compactly folding lightweight travel stroller” above, you’re right. So how does The Clutch stroller compare with the GB Pockit? Most noticeably, it weighs a little more (about 2 lbs.) and costs a little less (about $30 to $50 less than the basic Pockit).
And though it boasts the ability to fold in 2 seconds to the size of a grocery bag (15”L x 5.9”W x 19.7”H ), the Clutch still is not quite the record-breaking compact package of the Pockit. Nevertheless, both can be stored in most airplane overhead storage bins as hand baggage.
The Clutch, however, is only rated for children up to 50 lbs. and makes no claims about its storage basket (unlike the 11 lbs. supported by that of the GB Pockit, which supports kids up to 55 lbs.). Again, if a compactly folding, space-saving stroller is your highest concern for your travel stroller, these are both good options.
But if you need your child to nap on the go, be protected from sun / insects / weather in your travels, etc., make sure to consider our other recommendations.
SPECS: The Clutch stroller is for babies 6 months+ who can sit up to children 50 lbs. Unfolded dimensions: 29.5” L x 18.5” W x 39.8.1” H. Folds to 15”L x 5.9”W x 19.7”H. Weighs 11.7 lbs. See current deals online at: Amazon
Diono Traverze Luggage-Style Travel Stroller
Why Shelly recommends it:
The Diono Traverze is built for comfort with multiple recline positions including a lay-flat position suitable for newborns (not many travel strollers have that!). Parents love the true one-handed fold, which is creates a self-standing package compact enough to fit in the overhead bin of most airplanes.
And it comes with its own stroller travel case to keep it neat and tidy, whether you opt to store it in the cabin or check it at the gate.
But what I think is super nifty about the Traverze is the built-in travel handle. Once folded and in its self-standing position, you can extend the one-handed luggage-style handle and roll it one-handed. Here’s how that looks (without the travel case):
For such a lightweight stroller, the Diono Traverze also offers decently sized and sturdy wheels, plus a storage basket with instant extension for those times when you need it (hello, souvenirs).
Pricing note: You’ll see a wide range in the pricing for the Traverze, with the primary MSRP at $249. Diono offers four “basic color” options for $50 less than that and a “luxe edition” for $50 more. Note that the “tailored rain cover,” which comes standard in the hide-away pocket of the other models is not included in the value model.
SPECS: The Diono Traverze is suitable from birth (in lay-flat position) to 45 lbs. Unfolded dimensions: 40.5″ H x 16.3″ W x 30″D. Folds to 23.6″ x 16.3″ x 9.3″. Weighs 12.3 lbs. See current deals online at: Amazon
Summer Infant 3D Lite Travel Stroller
Why Shelly recommends it:
* Budget pick! * At less than $100, this continues to be one of the best umbrella strollers around, not to mention one of the best values. The Summer Infant 3D Lite (3DLite) stroller is designed for a virtually lay-flat recline that’s hard to find in travel strollers that are this lightweight. Because of that it can be used from birth without the need of an infant car seat (like some other strollers).
The seat is nicely padded and the sun canopy has an additional “flip out” sun visor. Auto-lock folding and an attached shoulder carrying strap simplify travel as well. Parent conveniences also include a cup holder, back storage pocket, and extra large storage basket (max 10 lbs.). And the generous 6″ wheels will also help ensure smooth travels in many situations.
However, I don’t recommend its wheels for travel in cobblestone areas or rough terrain. The wheel durability of an umbrella stroller is generally something where you get what you pay for, and you’re saving money by not paying for it here. However, for light-duty use, the Summer Infant 3D Lite may be all you need for your next family vacation.
SPECS: The Summer Infant 3D Lite is suitable from birth to 50 lbs. Unfolded dimensions: 40.5″ x 10.2″ x 8.5″. Folds to 41″ x 10″ x 9″. Weighs 13 lbs. See current deals online at: Amazon.com
CYBEX Libelle 2 Ultra-Compact Stroller
Why Shelly recommends it:
Meet another of the world’s most compactly folding strollers in the running, the Cybex Libelle 2, weighing in at just 13.7 lbs. While offering a truly-tiny and carry-on compliant size when folded, it also offers the comfort of an adjustable full leg rest and seat back, with a generously sized UPF 50+ sun canopy.
Why else might you like this lightweight Libelle baby stroller? It offers front wheel suspension, reclining seat, and an adjustable leg rest. Better yet, it’s INFANT CAR SEAT COMPATIBLE: car seat adapters are included so you can use the Libelle 2 from birth AND during travel with they Cybex Cloud G or Aton infant car seats (sold separately).
Note: Not a first choice for frequent use in cobblestone areas or uneven/rough surfaces because of those oh-so-tiny, single wheels.
SPECS: The CYBEX Libelle 2 is for babies 6 months up to 55 lbs., or from birth when used as a travel system with Cybex’s infant car seats. Folded dimensions: 28.7″ x 20.3″ x 40.9″. Folds to 7.6″ x 12.9″ x 18.9″. Weighs 13.7 lbs. See deals online at: Amazon
Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Ultra Compact Stroller
The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 is popular as both a travel stroller and an every day stroller for home use. Some of its stand out features include:
- A near-full recline for infants and optimal napping for jet-lagged toddlers,
- A fully adjustable LARGE leg rest as in calf-support for bigger kids (goes all the way to the foot rest), and
- 3. A generous sun canopy standard in such a small package.
The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 also includes a travel carry bag with shoulder strap, a detachable belly / bumper bar, and rain / weather shield without need of additional purchases.
Suitable from 6 months up to 45 lbs, or from birth with attachable Baby Jogger infant car seat (sold separately). Folds to 6.8″ x 16.9″ x 21.6″. Weighs 14 lbs. Find deals online at: Amazon
UPPAbaby G-Luxe Full-Service Travel Stroller
Why Shelly recommends it:
I’m a fan of all these things: The UPPAbaby G-Luxe has a near-full recline, adjustable leg rest, basket that takes up to 10 lbs, and ergonomic foam-grip handles with a height of 43″.
The G-Luxe has a sturdy but light aluminum frame and is self-standing when folded. It also features curb-ready 5.5″ wheels, and essential-for-travel shoulder carrying strap.
What’s more, the G-luxe offers a deep “pop out” canopy extension for shade (you can see it retracted up under the canopy here). And yes, there’s a removable (and reversible) cup holder to keep toddler hydration in ready reach.
What I’m not a fan of is the increase in weight this model has seen over time–about 5 lbs. since it first came to market. Nevertheless, it does pack a lot of features for the package. However, if you like these features, I encourage you to also consider its cousin, the Minu V2 that weighs just slightly more and provides even more features and conveniences.
Use it from 3 months up to 55 lbs. (compare with the Maclaren Triumph). Folds to 19.2”L x 12W x 41.7”H. Weighs 16 lbs. Find deals on the UPPAbaby G-Luxe travel stroller online at: Amazon.com
UPPAbaby Minu V2 Lightweight Stroller
Why Shelly recommends it:
The Minu V2 stroller offers a full host of features and conveniences you want in a lightweight, and very compactly folding stroller. But it offers additional options rarely seen with the lightest weigh, most compactly folding strollers (including use with a car seat, a bassinet, and a snack tray that attaches to the bumper bar – sold separately). Consider these advantages…
Sure, it reclines enough to be used for babies from 3 months up. But it can also be used from BIRTH with the Mesa car seat and/or UPPAbaby bassinet (both sold separately). Since you may want a car seat and/or bassinet while traveling with your baby anyway, that could be ideal. And if you have an older kid to tag along? Take advantage of the Piggy Back ride-on board that attaches to the back (sold separately).
Other great features about the Minu V2 are its built-in carry handle and shoulder strap, adjustable leg rest, all-wheel suspension, extendable sun canopy with UPF 50, and an easy-access storage basket that supports up to 20 lbs.
Use from 3 months up to 50 lbs. Folds to 12″ x 20.3″ x 23″. Weighs 16.9 lbs. Find the Minu V2 stroller online at: Amazon
Ergobaby Metro+ Compact Folding Travel Stroller
Why Shelly recommends it:
The Ergobaby Metro + (plus) includes some very attractive bells and whistles in spite of its compact package–making it a great stroller for every day use in addition to travel. Tall parents will appreciate the height-adjustable handle (37″ – 41″ in height), while parents of newborns appreciate the lay-flat “newborn nest mode” where the adjustable footrest folds up to create a bassinet. And the Ergobaby Metro+ is also infant car seat compatible with a Graco or Chicco car seat adapter (sold separately).
More travel-friendly features? If your passenger will spend long hours in the stroller during your travels, you’ll both be glad for the #1-rated most cushy, ergonomic padding. Not to mention all-wheel spring suspension for a smooth ride, and plenty of room in the storage basket for your diaper bag and other necessities.
Other useful accessories include a support / bumper bar, parent cup or water bottle holder, rain shield / weather cover, foot muff bunting bag, aforementioned car seat adapters (see them all here).
Use from birth to 50 lbs. (48 months). Folds to a compact 10″ x 21″ x 17″ and fits in most airplane overhead bins as carry on luggage. Weighs 17 lbs. See deals for the Ergobaby Metro + online at: Amazon.com
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Seven Easy Ways to Get Your Car Seat Through the Airport
How to Plan Your Best Vacation with Baby
Best Double and Twin Travel Strollers
Tips for taking the New York City Subway with a Stroller
American Airlines with a Baby or Toddler
Five things you should know before flying with car seats
Southwest Airlines with a Baby or Toddler
Five things you should know before flying with an airplane bassinet
Alaska Airlines with a Baby or Toddler
Ryanair with a baby or Toddler
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